The Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs

Summary of work: More than 88 hours of research. Every online Master in Computer Science program in the US analyzed. 36 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 40 of the best programs identified.

Computer scientists create the technology we use for work and transactions on a daily basis. From software to applications and information architecture, computer scientists produce innovations that shape the modern world. That said, developing these solutions is easier said than done—computer science is a flexible field with multiple specializations. To that end, many professionals pursue a master’s degree to receive the advanced training they need to solve complex and specific problems.

Students in a master’s program can expect advanced instruction in a range of subjects. Common courses cover human-computer interaction, computing systems, and even artificial intelligence. While these courses are also central to undergraduate education, the level of instruction is far more advanced which prepares students to become masters at solving complex problems. This skill means degree holders have a greater chance of obtaining management positions and becoming leaders in the field.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A MASTER'S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE?

Computer science degrees are versatile, and graduates can join a variety of fields including robotics and artificial intelligence. The key is to choose a program or a specialization that matches your career goals.

CAN I GET A MASTER’S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE ONLINE?

Yes. Most schools offer online master’s programs in computer science—the degree is a popular choice.

HOW DO I GET A MASTER'S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE?

The requirements vary depending on the school, but most programs list their requirements on their websites. That said, students can expect to need a minimum GPA and a sufficient GRE score.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A MASTER'S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE?

It will take students around 2 years to complete a master’s degree in computer science.

HOW WELL ACCEPTED ARE ONLINE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREES?

Online computer science degrees are recognized and respected by most employers and universities as long as the program is accredited.

As technology advances, so does the potential for creating new innovations that improve daily life. In addition, computer scientists can become teachers to help future generations gain the technological literacy they need to be informed users and consumers. Add to that job stability—the average median salaries for computer science professionals can range anywhere from $63K to $100K, and degree holders can expect fulfilling futures working with evolving technology.

For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.

Best Online Masters in Computer Science Programs

We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Computer Science program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and a list of the Top 40 online Masters in Computer Science programs.

North Carolina State University's online masters in computer science program doesn't require students to complete a thesis. Instead, students complete internships for experience and develop skills that translate to their field of choice.

Stevens Institute of Technology welcomes computer security specialists and problem-solving individuals to apply for the online master's in computer science program. The curriculum covers everything from machine learning to visual computing and information extraction, enhancing the students' skills for career advancement in in various facets of the industry.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Schaefer School of Engineering & ScienceProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Stanford University offers a highly comprehensive master's in computer science program consisting of 45 credit hours and 500-level seminars. It also includes hands-on research projects to provide students with the necessary skills to advance their careers in database systems, network security and other computer-related fields.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Stanford School of EngineeringProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Students attend Columbia University for its selection of online degrees, and the computer science program offers the most selection. It includes 15 different computer science degrees, numerous graduate certificates and several concentrations to enhance the students' skills and knowledge for pursuing a career in computer science.

Georgia Tech has an established computer science program with more than 25 courses to transform students into professionals in the field of artificial intelligence. Students can specialize in interactive intelligence and develop the skills to design and develop software for use in robotics and other artificial intelligence applications.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of ComputingProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

The University of Southern California offers one of the best virtual learning experiences for online students thanks to the [email protected] platform, a unique educational system for delivering coursework to distance learners at USC. Students use this system for collaborating with peers and faculty, receiving support and accessing tools and resources at the click of a button.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Computer ScienceProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers one of the most flexible online master's in computer science programs in the nation. Students can finish this degree program in one year but take as many as five years depending on their job and other commitments.

Johns Hopkins University sets its online students up for success thanks to a variety of learning tracks in its online computer science program. Students can select from 10 different concentration and academic paths such as cybersecurity and software engineering to enhance their degree.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Whiting School of EngineeringProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAvailable Concentrations: Communications and NetworkingAccrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

The master's in computer science program at UMN has produced numerous successful graduates who have assumed leadership positions with Apple, Google and other major firms. In fact, graduates have also won both Nobel and Pulitzer Prize awards, making this university and program a prime choice for students who are looking for a great education that leads to a promising future.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Science and EngineeringProgram Name: Master of Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: ABET

Arizona State University's Master of Computer Science program develops the next generation of innovators thanks to a strong curriculum, expert instruction and full student support from faculty members. Through real-world projects and coursework in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain and more, graduates are prepared to lead in their career positions upon earning their degrees.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringProgram Name: Master of Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges

CU Boulder's online MS in computer science requires students to pass at least one 5000-level course in four of nine specialized interdisciplinary fields of research. Students who wish to concentrate their studies may add a sub-plan to their MS plan of study.

Auburn University develops the next generation of systems developers with its online master's in computer science program. Students cover advanced topics in algorithms, computer architecture and operating systems to develop the necessary skills to succeed in the field of software engineering and systems development.

The University of Louisville offers several unique courses in its online master's in computer science program. Students can take classes in modern heuristics, digital image processing and artificial intelligence to hone their skills in a specific niche in the industry.

Drexel University was one of the first schools to provide co-op education programs in the nation, and the master's in computer science program is no exception. It includes an interactive curriculum and gives students a way to collaborate on projects for more team-based experience as they work toward their degree.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Computing & InformaticsProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

National University's online master's in computer science program provides students with fundamental knowledge of cloud computing. Those who want to pursue a career in this field will gain the skills through a rigorous curriculum and a three-month project that prepares them to handle similar tasks in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Engineering and ComputingProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Colorado State University prepares graduate students for careers in networking thanks to its online master's in computer science program. Students take core classes in network security and database management, developing the skills to work for major tech companies like Motorola and Intel.

DePaul University's online master's in computer science program offers an extensive curriculum that includes courses in data mining. Students who want to advance their careers as professional data miners will learn the skills to work with big data, presenting the information to employers so that they can develop more successful marketing strategies.

Florida Atlantic University's online master's in computer science program is ideal for students who want to advance their careers as information technology architects. Students follow a strict curriculum that includes calculus with analytic geometry, data structures and structured computer architecture, giving them the skills to become leading IT architects for numerous firms.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa designed its computer science program for students who want to further their education after earning their degree. The program covers a range of topics to provide a solid foundation in computer science and to prepare students for next-level courses on their path to a doctorate.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Information and Computer SciencesProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Illinois Tech designed its computer science program to prepare graduates for careers in research and development. The curriculum includes core courses in programming, systems and theory to develop the students' skill set for career advancement.

The University of Idaho designed the master's in computer science program for students who prefer self-directed learning. This self-paced program is perfect for self-starters who can complete the required coursework at their own pace; however, students can still ask for guidance at any time regarding research projects and courses.

Old Dominion University designed its computer science program for experienced professionals who already have a background in computer science. This program is a good choice for those who are ready to advance their careers in high-performance computing, cybersecurity, computer networking and related fields.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Computer ScienceProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Clarkson University pairs students with research advisers in the first year of the master's in computer science program. These advisers guide the students as they navigate through the program and help them to choose electives that will enhance their degree and advance their careers in their chosen field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Computer ScienceProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges

"Clarkson University professors spend a lot of time with our distance students and, in many cases, their employers, to ensure that they get a program tailored to their needs - whether that be robotics, or cybersecurity, or any one of the specialties we offer. We are very proud to be considered one of the top online Computer Science Master's programs in the country."

The computer science program at Missouri S&T includes a specialization in infrastructure protection. Through a detailed curriculum, students learn techniques and methods for improving, protecting and sustaining the nation's infrastructure.

NJIT offers an online master's in computer science program with a specialized study in network administration for students who want to pursue careers as admins. Students learn the skills to handle the day-to-day operations of systems networks and to oversee the networking department of various technology firms.

Georgia Southern University provides excellent financial assistance to students in the computer science program. Students can apply for graduate assistantship scholarships to help with the costs of earning their master's degree from GSU.

The University of West Florida offers affordable tuition plans to pursue a Master's in Computer Science. Students will have access to cutting-edge curricula and state-of-the-art learning facilities to gain advanced knowledge and proficiency in the field of computing systems. Graduates will be able to critically evaluate and improve upon emerging technologies and applications in computing and software to assume leadership positions.

Georgia Southwestern State University has computer science alumni employed at several companies across the nation, including Amazon and Microsoft. Students in the computer science program have access to job placement services and advisers to help them land careers after earning their master's degree.

Columbus State University offers a computer science program through the TSYS School of Computer Science. This master's program includes three concentrations in applied computer science, such as modeling and simulation, giving students numerous choices to enhance their degree.

Students who want to earn their master's degree as quickly as possible should enroll in Frostburg State University's online computer science program. With its accelerated format, students can finish the entire program in just one year of full-time study.

The online master's in computer science program at UIS is ideal for students who are pursuing careers in programming. The curriculum centers on this subject, providing courses in computer programming concepts, programming languages and discrete math to help students develop the skills for future success in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Computer ScienceProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Dakota State University offers the best value in terms of flexibility, costs, program concentrations and faculty advisement. Students gain a wealth of knowledge and can apply their skills in various fields of computer science, including cybersecurity and software development.

Lewis University's master's in computer science program is great for students who want to advance their careers in cybersecurity. In fact, this program offers a concentration in cybersecurity and teaches students how to identify and monitor cyberthreats and to take the necessary action to stop them from gaining access to a network.

The online master's in computer science program at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is a perfect fit for students who prefer one-on-one instruction. The small class sizes make it easy for students to interact with their peers and to receive individualized support from faculty members.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers an in-depth master's in computer science program with numerous concentrations, creating a highly specialized educational experience for students. With concentrations in game design, database management, computer networks and more, students have a wide range of specializations to choose from to enhance their degree.

Students who are interested in pursuing careers as software developers can gain the necessary skills at the University of West Georgia. The online master's in computer science program includes courses in software development and program construction, providing the knowledge for students to advance their careers.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Science and MathematicsProgram Name: Master of Science in Applied Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)

Capitol Tech's location in the Baltimore-Washington area makes it a magnet for some of the top faculty members in the country. Students in the computer science program will learn from industry leaders of high-tech companies, government agencies and other fields to gain invaluable skills for career advancement.

City University of Seattle prepares students for careers as tech specialists with its master's in computer science program. With core topics in managing technology projects and technology implementation, students will gain the knowledge to assume senior-level positions within their respective companies.

Colorado Tech offers one of the most mobile-friendly computer science programs for students who want to receive their education on the go. The CTU Mobile learning system is easily accessible online from a tablet, a smartphone or a laptop day or night.

North American University offers several areas of study in its online master's in computer science program, one of which is wireless technology. Students who choose this career path develop fundamental knowledge and best practices and help to develop and improve wireless communications.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Computer ScienceProgram Name: Master of Science in Computer ScienceAccrediting Body: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)